Customer Reviews

Sing Along with Basie

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Of the many fine "new testament" Basie recordings on Roulette, this is one of the very best. Jon Hendricks's lyrics and perhaps Lambert, Hendricks & Ross's finest outing, plus the great Joe Williams join the full Basie band for a recital of classics, old and new.

A shame that only pricey imports are currently in print. This is an essential pick for Basie-ites: if you can't buy a new CD, find a used copy. If you can't find it on CD, look for it on vinyl.

I own thousands of jazz recordings... this ranks right up at the top and I was surprised I had never heard of it before in over 40 years of collecting. Every jazz fan is familiar with the pioneering group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross and their groundbreaking "vocalese" arrangements of Basie tunes in 1956 "Sing a Song of Basie" (one of the first multi-track recordings and L,H & R perform all the instrumental parts with their voices). This is the perfect follow-up-- L,H & R IN FRONT OF THE BASIE BAND, complemented by the great Joe Williams (who was singing with Basie at the time, becoming a star in his own right). Frank Foster recreates the classic "Old Testament" arrangements of some Basie Band chestnuts. What a swinging, unique recording... the Basie "New Testament Band" is in top form as usual, L H & R are at the top of the game (hey, as any jazz singer will tell you, you better bring your "A" Game if you're fronting the Basie Band-- "The Chief" is watching !). The liner notes are great as well and have the words for 4 of the tunes (couldn't do more probably due to lack of space). Joe Williams is featured on his signature number "Going to Chicago Blues" and also kills it on another tune he popularized in front of the Basie band, "Rusty Dusty Blues". Another wonderful cut is "The King" and they do an "old style" arrangement of the swing era gem "Swingin' the Blues". I recommend this CD highly-- it is totally affordable and you will love it.

Nice songs, would have been nice to have the songs printed, so that you could easily sing along with them.

Though I prefer the Basie band of the 30's, this is an awesome collection of later work from the 60's, enhanced by kickin' arrangements by Neal Hefti. Hefti is better known for working with Sinatra in the 50's, but I feel his work with Basie is more innovative and vibrant than his collaboration with Frank. Another plus is the sound quality on this disc, which greatly surpases anything Basie recorded in the Depression. Those Japanese engineers really know how to release rare gems. You can really hear the brass section, especially when you pump up the volume, and how can you not do that considering this is the inimitable Basie? The trumpet solos really soar and Basie's distinctive one-fingered approach to the piano is highlighted by the mixing here.

My two favorite tracks have got to be the fantastic Swinging the Blues, closely followed by Jumpin' at the Woodside, in a kickin' arrangement. Again, the arrangements on these tracks is first rate and the sound quality is awesome.

I prefer the Basie band in a live setting, when they would always pull out the stops and just swing it to the ceiling. Check out Basie at the Sands for an example of his band in a live forum. Otherwise, this disc is stellar all the way!